# Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/semaglutide
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide (brand name: Ozempic, Wegovy) is a glp-1 receptor agonist. It is prescribed to treat the following: to control blood sugar levels in certain patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not make or use insulin normally). to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease. to reduce the risk of a heart attack. Across the United States, 136,000 doctors prescribe Semaglutide to approximately 1.2 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Ozempic, Wegovy

## Indications

Semaglutide is prescribed for several conditions including the following: to control blood sugar levels in certain patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not make or use insulin normally). to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease. to reduce the risk of a heart attack, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Diabetes Mellitus](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/diabetes-mellitus)
- [Type 2](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/type-2)
- [Myocardial Infarction](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/myocardial-infarction)
- [Stroke](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/stroke)
- [Obesity](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/obesity)
- [Cardiovascular Diseases](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/cardiovascular-diseases)
- [Chronic Kidney Disease](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease)

## Mechanism of action

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that selectively binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, the target for native GLP-1.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- Mechanism of Action class: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists [MoA]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
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- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)